For the first time in nearly 50 years, the New York Yankees are amending their facial hair and grooming policy, marking a stark change to one of the more antiquated requirements across Major League Baseball.
Former owner George Steinbrenner famously instituted strict guidelines surrounding beards and facial hair back in 1976 as part of the Yankees dress and appearance policy. Players were permitted to be clean shaven or sport a well trimmed moustache under the previous rules. However, with Hal Steinbrenner now at the helm, the club is amending the policy to permit “well groomed beards” for the upcoming season.
“In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees – spanning several eras – to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years.”
“Ultimately the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”
Over the years, the free spending Yankees, with their competitive rosters and large Metropolitan location have had little trouble attracting star players in free agency. However, that hasn’t meant that all players who donned pinstripes didn’t openly gripe about the beard related policies.
While it may seem like a trivial matter, those with connections to the Yankees front office believe that the change will make pitches to free agents easier, and create a better vibe within their clubhouse, allowing players to be themselves.
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